To the delight of frugal shoppers everywhere, Target just announced two designer collaborations, Cynthia Vincent and Eugenia Kim, that will revitalize your accessories' collection this April. After a number of collaborations including Jean Paul Gaultier and Anna Sui, it's only right that Target expand to designer shoes and hats, a first for the retailer.
This is doubly exciting as milliner, Eugenia Kim's hats (as seen on Nicole Richie below) and Cynthia Vincent's shoes (she's famous for amazing flats) are delightful but always on the expensive side. I'm eager to see what great patterns and styles they'll offer up at Target, just in time for Spring. And you know a woman can never have too many accessories.
Nicole Richie in Eugenia Kim's plaid hat.
Recessionistas can shop both collections when they debut in stores and on the web on April 18th. Vincent's collection will be available until July 1 while Eugenia's line will be sold until June 20th.
Glamazons, will you shop the Eugenia Kim and Cynthia Vincent for Target collections when it hits stores? Kisses,
As I sit here at a cafe typing away sans makeup, I started to look around at all the other women around me reading or on their laptops and noticed that they were wearing makeup as well.
(Ok, sidenote: my idea of no makeup means that I've foregone the most important things such as eyeliner, eyeshadow, blush and lipcolor for a bare look. This includes only face powder (MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in Medium Plus) mascara (today it's Make Up Forever Smoky Lash Extra Black Mascara) and a bit of lip balm (today it's the new Christian Dior Creme de Rose Smoothing Plumping Lip Balm). The only time I really wear no makeup is when I'm asleep.)
Living in NY, you never know who you might see (I saw Robert DeNiro in Tribeca the other night!) so you must always look your best. Whether you want to be a model or snag a job working at a magazine, your looks can take you a long way in the Big Apple.
All of this makes me wonder: How much makeup do women really wear on a daily basis ?
We all know about celebrities and how they wear makeup everywhere; from hitting the grocery store to a stroll around the block. However, there are some that forego it unless they're working on a set somewhere. (One of the most popular ways to see a celebrity without makeup is in the yearly People magazine's Most Beautiful People issue in which they do photoshoots with some celebs sans makeup.)
Singer Mariah Carey (pictured above) played a social worker in the movie 'Precious' wearing no makeup as well. (Which, I must say, was rather shocking to see considering that she's the queen of freshly coiffed hair and a perfectly made up face.) However, as shocking as it was to see her in that manner, it was also kind of refreshing. In the world of photoshopped and spanxed celebrities, it's nice to see a female celeb showcase her true self for the world to see.
Being that I have worked in the beauty sector of the magazine industry, I have enough makeup in my collection to doll up women in a third world country. (And I give it away and still have tons left...not that I'm complaining about it, but just wanted to give you an example haha)
Because I have so much of it, I feel like I NEED to wear it...and I have fun trying new looks.
(Sidenote: the Urban Decay Book of Shadows Volume II seriously rocks my world! I can create a million and one looks with it!)
And if I don't wear any makeup, I feel naked! Plus, I look so much hotter with it on than without!
Tell us ladies, how much makeup do you wear on a daily basis? If you don't wear it, do you feel naked as well? And (to the men), do you ever even notice when a woman isn't wearing makeup?!
Hey Glamazons! We just can't get over how fab Rihanna looks as a blonde! So, I caught up with celebrity hairstylist Ursula Stephen to get the scoop on how she created the look. Here's what she had to say:
"The coloring process is hard work and dedication. Rihanna was determined to be a blonde this time around, and I was determined to make her happy! I've been coloring her hair black for at least two to three years. I had to strip the black and after two separate processes we finally got the color we wanted! Right now I'm just moisturizing her hair every chance I get, and using as little heat as possible."
When it comes to caring for Rihanna's colored locks, Stephen said she uses a color-preserving hair conditioner to maximize hair color retention.
"I follow with Motions Foaming Wrap Lotion - Regular Hold as it gives the hair a soft, flexible hold. For styling I use my own cocktail of thermal protectant and leave-in conditioner . Minimal flat ironing follows with a spray of Motions Light Hold Working Spritz for styling hold. (It gives a hold without drying the hair.) Moisture is key right now for the hair color."
I know, I know, I'm slightly late with this post so you've probably read all about the 2009 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show that happened this past Thursday night in New York.
But seriously Glamazons, I (Ferocia) have been running on fumes for the past couple of weeks and booked a last second flight back home to chill out and catch my breath for a second. (City life can get pretty harsh sometimes! Not that I'm complaining about it, but it's good to take a break every now and again.) So, with that said, apologies for not posting earlier, but I was busy packing and jumping on a plane. Now that I'm settled, read on to get my opinion of the show!
You all should know by now about my secret obsession with the Victoria's Secret Angels and I was fortunate enough to get a ticket to the show (thanks to the lovely AJ from VS Beauty...she seriously rocks my world!) Despite the dreary weather, I headed over to the site super excited! There were several other beauty editors/directors in attendance (including my lovely friends Erica Metzger from Ladies Home Journal; Heather Muir from Seventeen; April Franzino from Good Housekeeping and Leah Wyer from Cosmopolitan.
(from l to r) Erica, Heather & April
Leah Wyer (beauty director at Cosmopolitan magazine)
While waiting for the show to begin, I spotted several celebrities walking into my section in search of their seats including Russell Simmons (who brushed right past me!) and fashion designers Zac Posen and Christian Siriano (whom I love, love, love!). Further down across the way I spotted marketing guru Steve Stoute (whom I've been secretly obsessed with meeting since I moved to the NY three years ago!), Jay Z (looking dapper in a black suit complete with bow tie; probably in preparation for Diddy's birthday party which was also happening that night) and Dr. Dre. Singer Keri Hilson looked waltzed in looking atothemazing and actress Michelle Trachtenberg looked pretty, but very pale (ew).
Jay -Z and Dr. Dre at the VS Show 2009
Actress Michelle Trachtenberg at the VS Show 2009
It was while waiting for the show to begin that I started to think about last year's show in Miami and how there was something missing about this year's show versus last year's. (I was also fortunate enough to attend the show last year, click here to read all about it!)
This year, there was no electricity in the air; no buzz. Granted, there was plenty of noise due to the mosh pit of teenagers near the stage that (I heard) were specially flown in to dance and yell in the hopes of making the crowd of jaded New Yorkers seem alive on television. Maybe it was the rain outside...or maybe it was the fact that I was extremely tired. I don't know...there just didn't seem to be as much excitement this year. I think Miami (or any other tropical city) are the perfect sites for this type of show....I mean, beaches, pools and sunshine go hand in hand with beautiful, half-naked women, wouldn't you agree?!
The show itself was pretty awesome! This year's musical guest were The Black Eyed Peas and one look at Fergie's legs and ass in those fish nets was enough to make me want to start squatting on the spot! (Her and Beyonce's bodies are my inspiration to hit the gym haha).
The Black Eyed Peas performing at the VS Show 2009
The first performance was "Boom Boom Boom" (one of my fave work out songs!) and was complete with glowing neon colored-clad background dancers and flashing neon lights. I couldn't help but to bop along in my seat (that beat is infectious!). I also loved the huge blow-up polka dotted dog that was in the middle of the stage during the PINK section of the show.
Other than the Black Eyed Peas' musical performances, the surprise of seeing Heidi Klum walking (she just popped out a baby! granted she wasn't as naked as she usually is presumably because she's still on a hardcore workout regime to get tight again, but she still looked gorge!) and the fact that I got to hang out again with my beauty editor friends, I didn't really find anything else too intriguing about the show.
VS Angel Heidi Klum works the stage at the VS Show 2009!
Chanel Iman looked cute (as usual) and Sesilee Lopez looked fierce in those green thigh high boots and matching lingerie set (I'd kill for a stomach like hers!). I was excited to see Liu Wen walk in the show..she's the first Asian model to do so and I hope that the VS brand continues to keep adding a more diverse roster of models to the show roster.
Chanel Iman shows off her 'ass'ets at the VS Show 2009.
Missing VS Angels this year were Karolina Kurkova (who just had a baby) and Adriana Lima (who's still pregnant).
VS Angel Alessandra Ambrosio gives a new definition to the "hot" in hot pink during the VS Show 2009!
I did manage to snap a couple of pics on my camera phone (shhh! We weren't supposed to take any pics during the show haha)
Pretty pink and green scene from the VS Show 2009
All of the models came out at the end of the show.
Did anyone else attend this year's show? If so, what did you think? Let us know.
And don't forget to watch the show when it airs on CBS Thursday, Dec. 1 at 10/9 central!
Kandi Burress from Bravo's Real Housewives Of Atlanta officially opened her clothing and accessories boutique TAGS this week. Located in Smyrna's West Village, the boutique, which she owns with friend Peaches Chin, will feature "luxury for less" pieces, ranging from dresses to coats to trendy tees, for under $100.
Kandi shared with The Glamazons early October that the TAGline would be "Pop Bottles. Pop Cherries. Pop Tags." Adore it, and Kandi is sure Atlanta's many style mavens will too. “Atlanta is a fashion town. Anybody who loves fashion will love this store!" Kandi has said.
Check out pictures from this week's opening party, where Kandi celebrated the launch alongside her former RHOA castmates, Dwight Eubanks, Lisa Wu-Hartwell and Kim Zolciak (Mrs. Nene Leakes was nowhere to be found). She even said she'd be open to sell Lisa's line, Closet Freak, and Sheree's She by Sheree at her store. If she has any sense, she'll be playing Kim's "Tardy for the Party," from the speakers too. We love that song at the Glamazons (and are not ashamed; the production was great!).
Tell me what you think about the clothes below. Will you shop at Kandi's new boutique?
Since Alicia Keys' debut in 2001, her songs have provided inspiration to millions of listeners around the world. Now, she's packaging her positivity in a new way: through inscribed messages on cuffs and necklaces.
Next Monday, Keys is launching a new jewelry collection with designer Gisele Theriault, where each item is inscribed with inspirational poems and prayers, via WWD.com.
Entitled "The Barber's Daughters," the collection ranges from $85 - $2,500. It won't be available for purchase until next year but fans can preview the collection next Monday and Tuesday at Collette Blanchard Gallery in NYC.
“I fell in love with the individuality of the pieces, but more than that, the words that were written on them really resonated with the songwriter in me,” Keys told WWD about the silver and gemstone pieces.
Alicia also hinted to the newspaper about future forays into fashion, calling jewelry design "a great first step." Judging from the elegant craftmanship of "The Barber's Daughters" line, I'm sure we have a lot to look forward to from Ms. Keys.
Scroll down for pictures from her jewelry collection below. I am as in LOVE with that sterling silver cuff as I am with Alicia Keys' beautiful record, "Try Sleeping with a Broken Heart" off the album, "The Element of Freedom." Listen to the song (you'll thank me!) and let me know what you think of "The Barber's Daughters."
He's made a name in the fashion industry designing awe-inspiring gowns for the rich and famous, but Zac Posen's latest venture appeals to the "Lower East Side girl."
The collection, worthy of Manhattan's trendy, downtown crowd, is "Z Spoke," Posen's new diffusion line for Saks Fifth Avenue. Compared to his eveningwear line which can cost up to $12,000, "Z Spoke" starts at a mere $78 for a t-shirt and can cost up to $675 for a dress, via WWD.com.
A sophisticated line of dresses, separates and sportswear, "Z Spoke" signifies a trendier, more youthful direction for the designer. The significant elements of his design aesthetic, however, remain the same: quality craftmanship, ladylike charm and the perfect, feminine silhouette (no one knows a woman's body quite like Zac.)
Zac is adamant about differentiating between his diffusion lines and the many high-end collaborations with retail giants launching as of late. “It’s not Zac-for-less, it’s not the little sister collection at all,” Posen told WWD. “The dresses — that’s something I can do with my eyes closed. This is about a new identity.”
This new direction for the designer is sure to be as popular as his collection of gowns, which I saw firsthand at the breathtaking Fall 2009 show (an evening I will never forget!). Check out images from "Z Spoke" below and let me know what you think!
There are a few phenomenons in fashion that will always be controversial. The fanny-pack, belt bag, hip-sack or man bag is one of them.
Admittedly, I did wear a Louis Vuitton fanny pack way back in my high-school, logo-friendly days. NOT a complete fashion faux paux, but I, seriously, wouldn't be caught dead in that get-up again. However, as of late, I've seen celebrities, including Rihanna, rocking the fanny pack like it's a studded Rebecca Minkoff bag. And it appeared on the runways in the Louis Vuitton show in a sleek, sexy leather style that was tres chic.
Traditionally, fanny packs have been regarded as the opposite. They are usually associated with the tourist who is simultaneously juggling her camera, passport and map while annoyingly asking for directions and buying silly souvenirs she's never going to use. As the very nature of sightseeing calls for casualwear, she is far from fashionable.
By pairing her fanny pack with a fab H&M knitted dress, worker boots and shades, Rihanna has turned this stereotype on it's head...or has she? And nothing was sexier than Carrie from SATC's fanny pack with her cropped top and fitted skirt.
What's your verdict, Glamazons? Are fanny packs back...and fashion-forward for the first time since the 80's? Or should we leave that style to the tourists? Would you wear them?
She's beautiful. She's quirky. She's Hollywood royalty. There's a million things to love about Glamazon of the Week, Zoe Kravitz, and Vera Wang recognizes them all. That's why the daughter of fashionista, Lisa Bonet, and rock star, Lenny Kravitz, is the new face of Vera Wang's perfume, "Princess," available in eau de toilette, $45 for 1 oz, body polish, $35, and body polish, $30, sephora.com.
Sure, the "Princess" title is fitting for the progeny of two big names in entertainment. And the scent seems like it was tailor made for the aspiring actress:
"Radiant and whimsical, Princess is a sheer, fruity floral---rich with vanilla and brimming with exotic flavors and succulent fruits," the website reads.
Furthermore, it goes without saying that Zoe looks absolutely beautiful modeling in the ad. Still, I'm disappointed Zoe's one-of-a-kind style, that brilliantly blends modernity and vintage-chic, is not captured here. Love the choice of Zoe but what good is featuring a style maven in your ad without highlighting her amazing fashion sense?
What do you think, Glamazons? Do you agree the ad should have tried to capture Zoe's unique fashion sense? Do you think Zoe was the right choice for the fragrance?
The internet is abuzz with praise and criticism for the latest video from pop Queen, Beyonce, featuring the incredible Lady Gaga. While we're still partial to Lady Gaga's amazing Bad Romance vid, we adore Beyonce's outfit changes, the dance sequence and both ladies' phenomenal physiques. Hubba Hubba, indeed.
Still, there's been a lot of flack about the video, which only leaked yesterday night. Among the many complaints, here were a few that stood out:
-Lady Gaga isn't "herself," in the video but a white version of Beyonce. With one line, one outfit and one scene, why is she even there?
-Beyonce's in-your-face, sex-soaked moves are plain trashy, cheap and reminiscent of "Check on It." (Someone even said: Strippers should sue for copyright infringement). Even more say it's irresponsible to her younger fans.
You hear about a sample sale via Twitter or from a forwarded email. You count down the days and show up on the opening date, credit card in hand. Now what?
It almost sounds too good to be true that designers sale their samples (usually used for ad campaigns and editorial spreads) at the end of the season for next to nothing.
However, for many first-timers, their initial trip to a sample sale is hectic, overwhelming and sometimes, disappointing. They leave with the one purse they were able to pry from the grip of a pushy shopper or a mutilated designer item they may never even wear.
I realized at the Glamazons we give you sample sale information (via our Twitter page, @glamazonsblog) and dish to you about the great buys we get at sales, but haven't ever advised on how to shop them.
And I can't, in good faith, share sample sale information without having you guys equipped enough to go into a sample sale knowing how to avoid the madness and leave with something fabulous.
That said, remember these tried-and-true tips that I've learned (the hard way) and enjoy a sample sale shopping experience that lives up to the hype.
-Do your research.
Study the designer's collection that you're shopping. This is important for a number of reasons. First, it gives you the upper hand over other shoppers (who you're competing with to grab the best finds). When you look beforehand, you know exactly the item you're looking for as opposed to seeing all the samples for the very first time.
Secondly, though great designers reinvent themselves every season, each one has a signature aesthetic that they never veer too far away from. Rather than attending every sample sale you hear about, only go if that designer's look blends seamlessly with your unique taste and style. There's no point in going to shop Vera Wang if you're a Jean Paul Gaultier girl.
-Go early.
With sample sales, the old adage rings true: the early bird gets that coveted Tracy Reese blouse. For the best selection, go on the first day as early as possible. There's nothing worse then attending a sale when only the rejects are left.
-Try it on!
At these events, all sales are final so make sure your buy fits you well...because you're stuck with it. The last thing you need is another garment collecting dust in your closet.
-Don't cling to your 'usual' size.
Sizes vary, especially when it comes to European designers. A Christian Louboutin Size '7' is very different from a Jimmy Choo Size '7.' Some die-hard sample sale shoppers even visit the designer's regular boutique pre-sale to find out which size fits them best.
May sound a bit over-the-top, but I purchased a pair of Christian Louboutin pumps at the first sale in a 7.5 (my size for as long as I can remember) and they pinch so tightly I can barely walk. (I DID try them on at the sale but wrongly assumed they'd stretch over time...after several visits to the shoe repair man, they haven't).
I learned my lesson and bought an 8 in the below shoes at this year's sale. Never felt more comfortable ;-)
-Dress comfortably.
I know you're thinking: Why does it matter what I wear to a sample sale where I'm buying new clothes? This is why: Most sample sales don't provide closed dressing room spaces...or you may want to approve or veto a dress without waiting on that god-awfully long dressing room line. The solution? Wear flats that you can easily slip on and off and clothing that can easily be removed. For ladies that don't want to strip to your undergarments in front of a room of strangers, a camisole and boy shorts are great alternatives.
-Go for the classics.
If you're not a religious Barney's shopper, then you're most likely someone who doesn't buy high-end designer duds outside of sample/outlet sales. That said, it's worth investing in an item that you'll get the most use out of.
There are usually staples on sale, like black pumps, a traditional sheath, a tweed jacket, that will stand the test of time. Though that trendy, neon, studded, bubble-hemmed dress is calling your name, you don't want to buy anything you wouldn't normally wear or won't wear often.
-Be prepared to search.
My routine is to give a lightning quick once-over and then zero in on the section with the finds I love most. Whatever your strategy, get ready to search, dig and hunt to find the treasures. And speaking of treasures vs. trash, look for quality pieces. Stained, ripped and worn-in finds are often not worth the money it costs to fix them.
-Mind your manners.
Yes 'behave yourself' should go without saying but something comes over people when put in a room full of affordable designer duds that are only a grab away. Be respectful of other shoppers. At the end of the day, it's only a pair of shoes, pants or a dress. It's not worth shoving or being mean to other people.
At the same time, know that sample sales can sometimes bring out the worst in people. Thus, never leave those amazing shoes you found unattended while you try on another pair. Somebody will swipe them, trust me.
All images on www.glamazonsblog.com are readily available on the Internet and believed to be in public domain. Images posted are believed to be published according to the U.S. Copyright Fair Use Act (title 17, U.S. Code.)
